She blew the dust from the keys, allowing the typewriter to once again shine with its full glory. She placed her fingers on the keys and felt the magic this machine held. She imagined the stories written, the letters penned, the secrets shared. She closed her eyes and let her own words flow, bringing life to this typewriter and stirring her soul.

Divine Rivals is a fantasy following Iris, working to become the next columnist at the local paper, but first she must get through Roman… her writing rival. Oh… did I mention there’s a war between the gods going down, too?

Rebecca’s writing really captured me and I was drawn into this story. The magic weaved in these pages was entertaining, but the underlying presence of war kept things moving with an ever looming danger. I loved both Iris and Roman’s characters, but I wish there would have been more “rivals/enemies” tension between them. I did like that while this is fantasy, there was a hint of historical laced throughout which just added depth. Overall I loved this story and need book two ASAP!

If you’re a fan of historical fiction (like WWII fiction stories) then I really think you’d love reading this fantasy story as well. If you like Greek mythology, then you also should also pick up this book, because the god element gave great mythology vibes.

Divine Rivals (2023) is a fantasy/romance/historical fiction novel that follows Iris Winnow, a budding journalist during a war started by the gods. Iris writes for the Oath Gazette and is trying to get promoted to columnist. Roman Kitt is her competition. Iris is balancing her career ambitions with her family troubles. Iris’s mom is suffering from alcoholism and her brother has just gone off to war. Iris begins writing letters to her brother on the typewriter her grandmother left her. Iris is not sure if her brother is receiving her letters, but when she gets a response that she finds on her bedroom floor, she starts corresponding with an anonymous person…

Divine Rivals (2023) is perfectly able to balance a lovely romance amid war with fantastical elements. The letters between Iris and Roman are heartfelt and reflective. Their enemies to lovers relationship makes Divine Rivals (2023) a perfect romance. While this novel is fantasy, its historical fiction aspects come from a mythical war started by gods. The time period feels like the World War II era, although the politics behind the war and the sides of the war are fantastical.

I really enjoy romance and fantasy, but historical fiction is very iffy for me. I was nervous going into Divine Rivals (2023), but ended up really enjoying the first book in this duology. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I would say this novel is more adult than a lot of other young adult books. The characters are teenagers, but they are living in very complicated times, which makes them seem older than they actually are. Not only is Iris dealing with war and the unknown whereabouts of her brother, but she is also trying to care for her mother. Iris deals with grief, tragedy, loss. This book is very hard hitting, but the romance lightens it up a bit.

It’s a school-turned infirmary filled with wounded bodies and souls and lives, and yet they are people so full of braverys and hope and determination it makes you hold a mirror to your own self when you’re alone. To find and name what lurks within you. Relief, shame, admiration, sadness, hope, encouragement, dread, faith. And why such things are there in your bones, when you’ve yet to give yourself up to something so selfless.


Rebecca Ross writes a World War I ‘esque story that weaves romance, paranormal occurrences, and a battle between gods in, Divine Rivals, the first book of the duology, Letters of Enchantment. Set in a human world with undercurrents of magic and an ancient conflict between immortals Dacre and Enva, similar to Hades and Persephone, death and destruction are the backdrop for a connection of hearts. Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt are competing for a columnist position at a major paper but for very different reasons. When the ongoing war causes seismic shifts in each of their family dynamics and an uncertainty about their futures an anonymous and mysteries connection, in the form of letters under the closet door, is formed between them which begins to knit their lives together at the heart level. But gods are not concerned with the trivialities of human emotions and their new and precious link may be lost forever due to the battles of war.


Divine Rivals is a compelling story from both main character perspectives. Iris and Roman have very different viewpoints to a battle that is not their own but which leaves a trail of desctruction for humanity. As reporters, they share a skill of language that allows them to express situations, especially their own, in a way that can be both poignant yet meaningful. This connection forges a relationship that is a unexpected yet becomes an anchor for them both. I really enjoyed the individual growth as well as relationship development that occurred because of this bond. Divine Rivals also has a historical vibe interwoven with fantastical elements which gives it a unique flavor. Rebecca does a great job of blending details that have a historical link to World War I components of a world where magic, supernatural creatures, and gods fight for their own wants and desires.


I will warn you that Divine Rivals is the worst kind of cliffhanger. Not only are you left with something catestrophic happening to one of the main characters but a number of major threads of the story still have not been explained or fully developed. Some people like being put in this limbo until the next book comes out, but I’m not one of them. Especially, since Book 2, Ruthless Vows, is not scheduled for release until April 30, 2024. I am, however, invested in Iris and Roman as well as this conflict between Dacre and Enva so I will find a way to survive until next April.

A Massive Thank You to the Author, the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book prior to its release date.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

Full disclosure: I am not usually a YA fan. BUT this one seemed to have the right balance for me.

If I had to rate the first half of the book, I would have given it four stars. Hesitancy, miscommunication, guilt—all wrapped up in a few tropes I don't enjoy.

However, the second half completely makes up for it. I found myself glued to the latter half of the book and cursing the fact that I didn't realize this was book one in a series.

I was so bummed when I found out at the end of the novel this was going to be a trilogy, just because now I have to wait for the next books!
The plot and the characters were so good, and the slow-burn romance was on-point and well done that it wasn't rushed or even worse, dragged out. The fantasy world developed by Rebecca Ross in Divine Rivals will leave readers wanting more.

Incredibly imaginative, romantic, and sprinkled with tragedy. One that will receive a ton of hype and love, with an ending that will have readers begging for the next installment.

Love Loved this book! It has lived up to the hype! The writing, the world building was just so perfect! I can’t wait for the next book!!!! What a slow burn! Dual POV and I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers! That cliffhanger was just ugh!

Roman C. Kitt 🤝 Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy
THIS BOOK. AMAZING! This book is for all of the girlies that have been looking for a series to fill the hole left by Hunger Games in 2012!

Do you love academic rivals to lovers? If so, READ THIS BOOK!

Did you grow up wishing that you were Kit Kitteredge (which I just had a theory may have been the reason for Roman’s last name?) and could spend your days typing on a typewriter? If so, READ THIS BOOK!

Are you a history buff? If so, READ THIS BOOK!

Do you like an adorable MMC who follows around his crush, basically begging for her to notice him? If so, READ THIS BOOK!

What I’m trying to get at is: READ THIS BOOK! That’s it.

DIVINE RIVALS is the first book in Rebecca Ross's Front series. It's an epic romance featuring two reporters vying for the same position at a newspaper. The editor turns it into a competition by challenging them to come up with the best war story with the winner getting the job. Iris and Roman come from two different worlds - one poor and one wealthy. Their rivalry sets the stage for an intense enemies-to-lovers story set in a fantasy land. War is brewing among the gods and people are choosing sides. Unfortunately, Iris's brother who's fighting in the war has disappeared. Iris eventually joins the war effort as a front-line reporter in order to search for her brother. At the same time, a romance blossoms between her and Roman through letters passed magically through the slots of their wardrobe doors . . . only Iris has no idea who her secret "pen pal" is which allows her to let down her walls and reveal her vulnerability. The story that unfolds is complex with a multi-layered plot line unfolding through unique characters.

Once I settled into this world, I became entranced with the story of rival lovers unknowingly connecting in the middle of a war over power between divine beings. The undertone is dark and bleak and yet these two characters provide a spark of hope in the midst of darkness. Themes of love, loss, enemies-to-lovers and found family are at the core of the twisted plot line enhanced by other-worldly characters and the devastation of war. The story is highly emotional and heartbreaking driving the intense plot forward at a pace that increases as one turns the pages heading to the shocking climax. DIVINE RIVALS is a beautiful love story all wrapped up in magical paper and delivered via an ethereal experience. Highly recommended to fans of romance and fantasy.

Oh this was good, this was really really good. I was invested in these characters and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book. So So good!!

Iris Winnow is a journalist trying her best to keep her family together even as her mom gets lost to addiction and her brother is missing on the frontlines of a war between gods. She keeps her sanity thanks to a magic that allows her to send letters to who she thinks is her brother but soon finds out is just a sympathetic reader, and a rivalry with fellow journalist, Roman Kitt. Things happen that have her deciding to take a post as a war correspondent on the frontlines and this is where things really start taking shape. Iris finds people who support her and whom she wants to protect and the war becomes much more real even as mythical beasts come into play.
It's a story of introspection and trying to figure out what's right. The different relationships that Iris develops play a big part in her own development and it makes for some very interesting interactions as the story progresses. Her relationship with Kitt in particular has a very interesting progression.
The fantasy element is very much in the background and almost non-existent for the majority of the book, but, wow, does it drop like a bomb at the end in a cliffhanger that guarantees I'll be picking up the next book.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the exciting read!

As much as I loved Ross' other stories this one fell far the bar that I had set for them. This alternative WWII novel was one that felt off. The tech they had vs what they used vs what was going on around them all seemed disconnected with each other. I do not know what book other people are reading and loving this one because for me it was just a mess. The romance was weird and the story just was not up to par. This one for me was one that I should have DNFed.

This story has taken up permanent, rent-free space in my head. It's one of my top 5's of all time. Violet Evergarden meets Wonder Woman I in this beautiful, heart-breaking tale of war, rivalries, and the love that supersedes them both.

I have *got* to know what happens next.

5/5

Two newspaper rivals attempt to make sense of their world during wartime as they shoulder various losses and discover a love that will transcend even the wars of the divine. Rebecca Ross’s newest duology resonates deeply like the decisive click of a typewriter key in the late hours. Divine Rivals struck right into the heart of me from the moment I turned the first page and it's no wonder why. Complete with a striking mythos and a compelling love story it's the kind of book that will leave you raging against the ruthless fates while yearning even more for its sequel. Iris and Roman's love story is timeless and one I will eagerly be awaiting more of in the days to come.

Thank you Net Galley and Magpie for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Divine Rivals is a tale following Iris Willow and her writing nemesis Roman Kitt. Rebecca Ross takes you through a enchanting world where an ordinary typewriter can turn out to be magical. Divine Rivals has turned into a favorite read of 2023, and I can not wait to see what the next part of the adventure holds.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Where to start with this book? I feel like it might have been hyped up a bit too much. But then the ending left me needing more immediately. So now I am full of contradictions.

I did love the world that was built and how it doesn't throw you in in a way that will confuse. It leaves enough to the imagination that you can focus on the characters, but it also has beautiful mythology to accompany the tragedies of the world.

I wish the romance and letter writing had been longer - I ended up not feeling the full impact of the romance the way I thought I would. I did love the characters but felt as though their relationship happened a bit suddenly, as one day she was simply writing some random man and the next she was in love with this man. I wanted more emotion and getting to know one another.

But I also loved the plot and the way that it catches you off guard so easily. I wasn't expecting almost anything that happened while at the front, and I still loved watching the found family pieces and the way that Iris really grew throughout the story. She was such a relatable character, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes her.

I was left a bit disappointed after all the hype, but this is definitely still a series worth following!

"Keep writing. You will find the words you need to share. They are always within you, even in the shadows, hiding like jewels."

------------------

Two young adults, Iris and Roman, are vying for a columnist position at a newspaper. They compete so hard with one another, each motivated by something different. And although intrigued with one another they are too busy competing to get to know one another. But when Iris writes to her brother off at war, Roman receives it and decides to write back. There begins an excavation of their souls, with only Roman aware of who he's speaking to. When Iris goes off to report on the war, he follows and they are forced to face one another for real.

Read this one for the writing. The plot is basically a WWII historical romance with magical typewriters and warring gods. But the sentences are like delicate truffles, each one carefully crafted to take you apart and make you ache from within. These two fall so deeply in love because through their writing they are just raw and honest in a way no one is in real life.

I wanted a little more about the mythology and more of an ending, but I know that's how these fantasy novels go these days. It wasn't so much a cliffhanger as someone rang the doorbell and the writer was like, 'yeah, I'll just stop there.' Luckily we don't have to wait too long for book 2, but I do wish I had waited til they were both out.

Thanks to St Martins Press and Wednesday Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

Omg this book was incredible. Every last word was beautifully written and the story was just crafted just so well. Can’t wait to continue the story!

What a delight this book is was. Magical, enchanting, and also heart-wrenching, brutal, and filled with the horrors of war. Throughout the entire story, there’s an absolutely beautiful and incredibly joyful enemies-to-lovers romance that starts with a shared passion of words and storytelling.

I’m not going to be able to write a cohesive review or to even formulate any paragraphs that convey how much I loved this book. It started from the very first pages when Iris meets her rival at the newspaper she’s working at. She and Kitt couldn’t be any more different, but there’s an undercurrent of pain and heartbreak that connects them. I adored the hidden identity aspect. Initially I thought for sure that it was going to throw a wrench in to Iris and Kitt’s relationship, but there wasn’t any deception or lying involved. Just a case of not connecting the dots and neglecting to read some letters. Speaking of letters, those were the best part of the story. I adored the Narnia feeling it gave me with the wardrobe, and I hope that continues (somehow) during the rest of the series.

All told, I loved this book to pieces. I meant to read it sooner but got sidetracked from life, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. Definitely a new favorite and I can’t wait to have book 2 in my hands, especially after that epically brutal ending.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital arc.